UTERBlue catfish fishing in Virginia freshwater
In Virginia freshwater, blue catfish peak October–July and are around year-round, spawning in June–July, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. January: The tidal James River — the Mecca for 80-pound blues.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Blue catfish in Virginia freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeakThe tidal James River — the Mecca for 80-pound blues.
- FebruaryPeakJames River trophy season.
- MarchPeak
- AprilPeak
- MayPeak
- JuneSpawning
- JulySpawning
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish blue catfish near James River, Smith Mountain Lake, Kerr Reservoir
The tidal James' trophy blue cats, Smith Mountain's stripers, the New and the James for smallmouth and muskie, Kerr and Gaston, and Shenandoah valley trout.
What to use for blue catfish
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 40–90°F water, best at 55–80°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch blue catfish in Virginia freshwater?
Peak season is October–July, with fish spawning in June–July (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Blue catfish are here year-round. January: The tidal James River — the Mecca for 80-pound blues.
Where do blue catfish hold in Virginia freshwater?
Look on river, reservoir, lake, bridge — around James River, Smith Mountain Lake, Kerr Reservoir, New River, Lake Anna, Chickahominy River.
What is the best bait for blue catfish in Virginia freshwater?
Live bait: nightcrawlers, minnows (fatheads, shiners). Nightcrawlers: Whole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for blue catfish in Virginia freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (Virginia DWR) and change — read the current rule at https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/regulations/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://dwr.virginia.gov/licenses/.
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All about blue catfish · Virginia fresh water, the whole year